Users of reimbursed glaucoma medications in Finland in 1986–2023: A nationwide study

Abstract

Purpose: The study evaluates the long-term trends in the number of patients using reimbursed glaucoma medications in Finland. Methods: Reimbursement data of 193 082 new glaucoma patients in 1986–2023 were collected from the registry of Finnish Insurance Institution (Kela). The numbers of new, current and deceased users of reimbursed glaucoma medications in Finland at end of each year were analysed by gender and in different age groups. Results: The number of glaucoma reimbursees per total Finnish population increased 2.5-fold during 37 years. However, in 2015–2023 the data demonstrated an unexpected decelerating trend in the difference between the number of new and deceased users of glaucoma medications (i.e. ‘net change’ in the medication users). In addition, differences in glaucoma medication users between Finland, other Nordic countries and Scotland were detected. Conclusions: The 37-year period demonstrates an overall increasing trend in the number of glaucoma medication reimbursees in Finland. However, the slowing growth in the net change during the recent years is to the contrary to what has generally been forecasted in Finland and globally. Future studies, including an updated prediction model, will be required to clarify whether the number of glaucoma patients under treatment will increase, or decrease in Finland in future as well as to figure out the reasons for the variations.